Racing Blythe Galaxy

Racing Blythe Football Club, consisting mainly of boys nurtured through the Shirley Little League ranks, were formed in 1998, and have completed many successful seasons in the Central Warwickshire and John Bryan Youth Leagues.The idea to pursue the venture was initiated by Mark Symes, Mel Law and Eric Vill – a combination that had just completed a successful grand slam Little League season with the ‘Greens’. The invented name of Racing Blythe was derived by the Manager (Mark), Coach (Eric) and Secretary (Mel) and their respective sons, Nathan, Daniel and Greg after brainstorming many options.It was agreed the River Blythe was the common theme that linked all members of the team who were located across Cheswick Green, Solihull, Shirley, Knowle and Dorridge. Racing was added following a eurovision voting system to give the clubs identity a continental flavour. The Club’s home ground is based at Hockley Heath Recreation Ground, although other pitches have been acquired at Hillfield Park and Arden School. As with the tradition at many great stadiums, the club’s crest and motto ‘racing to glory’ greets players as they enter the field of play. Racing’s very first match was against Olton Ravens on 23rd Aug 1998 going down 1-2 with Racing’s first ever goal was being scored by Nathan Symes.The first competitive League match was away at Redditch United where the players experienced the use of the Abbey Stadium non-league facilities. Racing came away victorious with a 2-0 win. As a Division 5 team in their first ever season, the team reached the last 8 of the Cup out of 64 teams only to be defeated by Division 1’s Knowle FC 0-1 at Solihull Boro’s Tanworth Lane ground. A great occasion for everyone connected to the club. All of Racing’s teams have upheld a proud record of gaining promotions, either as Championships winners or through gaining a Runners-Up place over consecutive seasons. Further to experiencing the values of Little League football in their junior years, it just highlights what can be achieved as the players adjust to a very competitive environment at youth level. Racing were winners of the prestigious Coleshill Cup on 16th April 2000, defeating Coleshill Town Colts, Cofton Falcons and Beoley Hawks on route. Chris Moore and Matt O’Connor scored the winning goals in a highly contested final. Joel Forrester was voted player of the tournament.Small sided summer competitions also prove successful, having won the Rubery (twice) and Bustleholme tournaments in 2004 & 2005. The club now operate 5 teams from U/14 through to U18, Thus, providing junior and youth football for approx 90 registered boys from across the borough. Since 2003, The FA Standard Charter accreditation provides the club with great recognition and discipline, enabling the teams to wear the national teams ‘three lions’ on their shirts alongside the sponsor’s company logo.Following the standards set by Mike McGough, all teams are managed by qualified FA Level coaches, having now played in excess of 450 matches over nearly 9 seasons. Over the past three seasons, teams have enjoyed successful Easter tournaments in Brixham & Great Yarmouth, where England’s Ray Clemence & World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst have presented players with their awards. More recently in August 2006, an U/14 & two U/16 teams toured Holland and Belgium, encompassing matches against a Japanese academy squad, whilst experiencing European football at the highest level. On the home front and as part of Pertemps involvement with Sport in the Community, Racing’s U/15 triumphed as they played hosts to a visiting team from Ireland. From the commercial side, the Club has been grateful for several sponsors including Blythe Motors, Invox, Land Rover, and LDV. More importantly Prologis and the Blythe Valley Business Park have played a major part in securing Racing’s development. From the playing side, and whilst James Fox topped the goalscoring charts with over 100 goals in just 33 matches in 2003-04, Racing have produced some great captains down the years - Daniel Vill, Andy Lakin, Phil Webb, Steve Burgess, Lewis Humphries, John Lawson, Gavinda Singh, Oliver Roddy and Matt Kirby – I hope and pray for the love of football there are more to follow....

Racing Blythe Galaxy squad

Mike Mcgough

Thomas Kenny

Andy Lakin

Lewis Humphries

Callum Brown

Nathan Symes

The Racing Blythe Galaxy Home Pitch

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